Abstract
The Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) is the prototype of the type D retroviruses. In type B and D retroviruses, the Gag protein pre-assembles before association with the membrane, whereas in type C retroviruses (lentiviruses, BLV/HTLV group) Gag is targeted efficiently to the plasma membrane, where the particle formation occurs, The N-terminal domain of Gag, the matrix protein (MA), plays a critical role in determining this morphogenic difference, We have determined the three-dimensional solution structure of the M-PMV MA by heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance, The protein contains four alpha-helices that are structurally similar to the known type C MA structures, This similarity implies possible common assembly units and membrane-binding mechanisms for type C and BID retroviruses. In addition to this, the interpretation of mutagenesis data has enabled us to identify, for the first time, the structural basis of a putative intracellular targeting moth.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 5819-5826 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | EMBO Journal |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 19 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 1997 |